Effects of Group Meridian Massage on Infants Growth and on Mother-Infant Interaction, Mother-Infant Attachment, and Mothering Role Satisfaction

Purpose: This study was done to investigate effects of Meridian massage on the growth of the infant and on mother-infant interaction, mother-infant attachment, and the mother's satisfaction with her mothering role. Method: The participants were 39 mothers of infants who were seen at one of two urban public health centers located in Yangju or Seoul. Data were collected from February 2008 to December 2008. Infants in the experimental group were given Meridian massage for 50 minutes (lecture 20 minutes, practice 15 minutes, preparation and arrangement 15 minutes) once a week for 6 weeks. Percentages, means with standard deviation, χ² test, repeated measured ANOVA, and ANCOVA were used with the SPSS program to analyze the data. Results: Infants in the experimental group showed an increase in weight & height compared to those in the control group. Mother-infant interaction, mother-infant attachment, and satisfaction with mothering role were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group. Conclusion: The above finding suggest that Meridian massage should be applied in clinical practice to improve growth of infants, interaction and attachment between infants and their mothers, and the mother's satisfaction with her mothering role.